Tenets of Shadow

When one views a knight from afar thoughts of chivalry and deeds of heroic good flood the mind of the youthful and dreamers. But what does it mean when someone takes those same ideals and alter them to a darker view? When the thought of chivalry of light is replaced with a code of darkness? The Tenets of Shadows prevail.

Code of Shadows

Even though the Tenets of Shadow do not follow the same tenets as the tenets of Knighthood, there is still the unspoken rules of traditional knighthood that must be followed. Even for those without honor, somehow agree to honor the basic codes.

A king or lord is expected to supply his warriors with all the necessities he can afford: spear, shield, armour, clothing and food.

When an enemy yields to a knight, the knight has the right to command him however he chooses on that day. Not even a king can take away this right. Commands to hurt or kill oneself may be ignored and can often release the yielded knight from this command. Commands to humiliate are acceptable but a silent, unspoken agreement to only do so to a certain degree usually is followed. One day the victor may have to yield to the same knight.

The possessions carried by a defeated enemy become the property of the victor.

When one knight challenges another let no one interfere.

The Nine Tenets of Shadow

Prowess: To seek excellence in everything expected of a knight, martial and otherwise. Using strength for the betterment of oneself and to advance beyond your enemy.

Justice: While the path of Justice Always seek the path of ‘right’, clear of personal interest. Justice of the sword can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered and padded by mercy.

Truth: Speak the truth when it helps further your cause. A lie is only wrong if it isn’t believed.

Loyalty: Loyalty is just another word for being weak willed. Common cause binds alliances, but should not put one’s own worth in jepordy for the facade of loyalty.

Defence: You have sworn an oath to defend the cause of a liege. This does not extend to retainers or followers or hirelings. Seek always to defend your liege if possible, yet realize the option of replacing them is ever present.

Courage: The difference between courage and death is simple; being courageous is a failing of ones sensibilities and often leads to death. You can be fearsome to your opponent but realize that there may be someone better who does not have a moral code to ask you to yield.

Faith: Faith. Have faith in your actions, but hold no faith for others unless they are culled and in fear.

Humility: Speak of your achievements often as no one will know of them unless you tell them.

Nobility: Nobility is not always a station of birth or a title of blood, yet the actions and beliefs of the righteous. You are noble, being noble is to rise above the weak and show your strength. Strength in arms and power are what makes a man noble.

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First I read the Tenets of Knighthood and liked them, but thought they were nothing special. Then I read this and realised that beforehand I was reading on one face of a coin. Together, these two make an excellent post - I love the idea of two rival orders (or rather, amalgations of orders) of knights and especially the fact that those of shadow also have a strict code of honour, which overlaps with that of goodness. For example, Knight of Shadow and a Knight of Goodness would both agree on the formality of the challenge - to outsiders, there might at first sight be little difference.